Hungary consistently regards Vietnam as its most crucial partner in Southeast Asia, Hungarian President Katalin Novák told Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during their meeting in Budapest on January 19.

President Novák said she hopes that Hungary - Vietnam cooperation will continue to develop in all sectors based on mutual respect, and become a model for East-West cooperation.

The two agreed that cooperation in economy, trade, and investment will play an important role in promoting bilateral relations in the future.

Prime Minister Chinh said Vietnam always places importance on strengthening relations with traditional friends, including Hungary, which is a priority partner in Central and Eastern Europe.

He proposed that President Novák encourage Hungarian companies to boost business partnerships with Vietnamese counterparts, particularly in areas where Hungary excels, such as pharmaceuticals, animal husbandry, food processing, renewable energy, and water management.